How to Set a Video Frame as a Lesson Thumbnail
A compelling thumbnail image helps your course lessons stand out and improves the learner's experience. You can capture a specific frame from a video you've uploaded directly to your CRM or upload a custom image.
Why Use a Video Frame as a Thumbnail
Setting a clear, relevant thumbnail offers several advantages:
- Brand Consistency: Maintain a professional look that aligns with your course's visual style.
- Increased Engagement: An interesting frame can attract more clicks and encourage learners to start the video.
- Efficient Workflow: Set the thumbnail in just a few clicks without needing external software.
- Improved Navigation: Distinct images help users quickly identify and select the correct lesson.
Where Thumbnails Appear
When you set a thumbnail, it is used in two places:
- Lesson Thumbnail: This is the image displayed on the course page or lesson tile.
- Video Thumbnail: This is the image shown inside the video player before the video begins playing.
By default, selecting a frame from the video sets the image for both locations. You can choose to have different images for the lesson tile and the video player if needed.
Requirements and Limitations
- This feature works with videos that have been uploaded directly to a lesson within the CRM.
- For lessons that use an embedded video from a service like YouTube or Vimeo, you must upload a custom image to set the lesson thumbnail.
- Always remember to click Save after making your selection to confirm the changes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to set a video frame as your lesson thumbnail.
- Navigate to Sites > Memberships > Courses and select your course.
- Open the lesson you wish to edit and ensure a video has been uploaded to it.
- Play the video and pause it at the exact moment you want to use as the thumbnail.
- Click the button labeled Use current frame as thumbnail. A preview will update to show your selection.
- Click Save in the lesson editor to apply the new thumbnail.
Using Different Thumbnails for the Lesson and Video
If you want the image on the lesson tile to be different from the image in the video player, you can override the default behavior.
- The frame you select using the method above becomes the thumbnail for both the lesson and the video.
- To use a separate image for the lesson tile, locate the lesson thumbnail settings. You can either pause on a different moment in the video and click Use current frame as thumbnail again, or you can upload a custom image file.
- The video player will continue to use the first frame you selected.
Best Practices
- Choose a frame that is clear and relevant, such as a speaker's face, a key diagram, or a product shot.
- If you add text, keep it minimal (3-5 words maximum) and ensure it is easy to read.
- Select a frame with good lighting and contrast. Avoid dark, blurry, or overly busy images.
- Maintain a consistent visual style across all lessons in your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does selecting a video frame set the thumbnail for the video player?
Yes. After saving, the selected image is used as both the lesson thumbnail and the video thumbnail.
Can I use a different image for the lesson tile?
Yes. You can upload a dedicated image for the lesson thumbnail, which will override the shared image from the video, allowing you to have different thumbnails for the tile and the player.
Does this work with embedded videos like YouTube?
No. The "Use current frame as thumbnail" option is only available for videos uploaded directly to the CRM. For embedded videos, you must upload a custom image to set the lesson thumbnail.
What is the best image size to use?
For optimal results, use an image with a 16:9 aspect ratio, such as 1280x720 pixels or larger.
Will changing the thumbnail affect current students?
Yes. Once saved, the new thumbnail will be visible to all learners, both new and returning.
Can I change the thumbnail later?
Absolutely. You can repeat the selection or upload process at any time and save your changes to apply a new image.